In a world where most young professionals pursue secure corporate jobs, Mukesh Kushwaha from Bardoura village near Bina in Madhya Pradesh made a bold move—he left behind a promising career in mechanical engineering to embrace farming. Today, he earns over ₹20 lakh annually through modern vegetable farming and provides employment to 20–25 people in his village. Here’s his inspiring transformation from an engineer to a successful agro-entrepreneur.
Early Life and Career Shift
Mukesh always dreamed of becoming an engineer. After completing his diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Khurai Polytechnic College in 2003, he landed a job offer in a highway construction company in 2004. However, the offered salary of just ₹6,000 per month didn’t sit well with him. Disillusioned, he returned to his village and joined his father in traditional vegetable farming on 12 acres of land.
At that time, the return on investment was modest—only ₹5–7 lakh per year, despite the hard work. That’s when Mukesh decided to modernize their farming methods.
Training and Modern Farming Transformation
With a thirst for knowledge and improvement, Mukesh approached the Horticulture Department. He was introduced to advanced farming techniques like drip irrigation, mulching, and raised-bed farming. He was also part of an exposure tour to Maharashtra and Karnataka, where he saw farmers reaping big profits using modern techniques.
This experience was a turning point. Inspired by what he saw, Mukesh returned home and began implementing these techniques. His productivity skyrocketed. Over time, he acquired 13 more acres, taking his total farmland to 25 acres.
High-Yield, Low-Cost Farming Model
Today, Mukesh grows a variety of vegetables including:
Potatoes
Onions
Tomatoes
Eggplants (brinjal)
Carrots
Spinach
Fenugreek
Coriander
Radish
Green peas
Earnings Breakdown (Per Year):
Crop Area (Acres) Production Revenue
Potatoes 9 acres 800 quintals ₹9.6 lakh
Onions 12 acres 1200 quintals ₹14.4 lakh
Brinjal + Tomato 3 acres – ₹5.5 lakh
Mixed Vegetables 1 acre – ₹1.5 lakh
Total Income 25 acres – ₹31 lakh (approx.)
Net Profit – – ₹18–19 lakh after expenses
His produce is supplied to Bina, Sagar, Khurai, and Bhopal markets.
Tomato Farming for Year-Round Income
Mukesh also promotes tomato farming as a profitable crop that can be grown year-round with the right infrastructure. With drip irrigation, mulching, and proper fencing, a farmer can earn 4 to 10 times more than traditional methods.
Scientific Storage Techniques
To prevent losses from fluctuating market rates, Mukesh has mastered modern onion storage. He uses exhaust fans, bamboo fencing, and net layering over bricks to store onions for up to a year without spoilage.
Giving Back to the Community
Mukesh isn’t just a farmer—he’s a mentor. He guides fellow farmers in modern techniques and helps them improve their income. Recognizing his leadership and dedication, his village elected his wife, Mamta Kushwaha, as the village Sarpanch. Mukesh himself now serves as the Rural Wing President of BJP in the region.
What is Mulching and Why It Matters?
Mulching is the practice of covering soil with organic or synthetic materials to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and enhance fertility. Mukesh uses high-quality mulching sheets that last 2–3 crop cycles. While the initial cost is ₹12,000–15,000 per acre, the returns outweigh the expense.
Conclusion
Mukesh Kushwaha’s story is a shining example of how knowledge, innovation, and courage to break societal norms can transform lives. By adopting scientific farming, he turned a modest family farm into a thriving agribusiness. His journey is not only an inspiration for Indian farmers but also a blueprint for future agri-entrepreneurs who wish to make farming a profitable and respected career.
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